Highlassie Basketball Season Preview

"Maximum Effort" is the motto for the 2013-14 Highlassie basketball team. That type of effort is exactly what the squad will need to make its goal of winning the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference title and making a run in the Region V tournament.

Last year, the Highlassies finished third in the conference race, led by Newcomer of the Year and first-team all-conference selection Cha'Zaye Wright. She and the five other sophomores led the team in almost every major statistical category.

With only one starter and five other players returning, coach Ricky Rhodes will be searching a sea of new players to find the right mix for a successful season. Sophomore point guard Shanice Davis is tabbed to be a major driving force for the Highlassies. Davis showed her value last season, stepping into a leadership role following the injury of Haylea Jackson. Justice Crisp also saw valuable playing time as a freshman and is expected to join Davis as a leader on the team.

"They all have God-given talent and are working hard to learn how to display it to the world."

The strength of the team lies in the ability to shoot the ball with confidence, consistency and range, Rhodes said. Both the guards and posts are working to come together and become a balanced, strong fighting unit.

"On any given night, the guards may lead the team, but the posts may dominate the next game," Rhodes said. "As the season progresses, I look forward to seeing them gel and give me their best on the court."

The Highlassies open the season on Nov. 1-2 in the McLennan Classic. The squad will face Kilgore at 6 p.m. on Friday and Angelina at 6 p.m. on Saturday.